File photo / The RepublicanA sign on a Western Massachusetts restaurant that closed. The Friendly's restaurant on Whiting Farms Road also closed this Sunday.

HOLYOKE – Employees at the Friendly’s Restaurant on Whiting Farms Road are reporting the business closed permanently as of 9 p.m. Sunday. A sign hanging on the door confirmed the restaurant was closed.

A manager declined comment, referring questions to the corporate offices in Wilbraham. Officials there did not return phone calls or emails requesting more information.

Friendly’s emerged from bankruptcy protection in January after its corporate owners repurchased the iconic brand for $122.6 million, and in the process closed more than 100 locations and wiped away $297 million in debt. Friendly's closed 63 locations in October 2011 and another 37 in January.